Rahane is expected to feature in the first four matches of the domestic one-day tournament in order to return to form as he hopes to keep himself on selector’s radar for next year’s World Cup in England.

The 30-year-old middle order batsman endured a poor England Test series where he averaged 25.70 across five Tests, scoring 257 runs with two half-centuries. He was also overlooked for the 16-man India squad for the Asia Cup 2018 that starts from September 15 in UAE.

“The selectors, led by former India allrounder Ajit Agarkar, will pick the team on Wednesday,” The Times of India quoted a source as saying on Wednesday.

The source further added, “Besides recovering form, Rahane would have another reason to play in this tournament despite having just taken part in a gruelling series — a few runs here may just help him stay in fray for a spot in India’s team for the World Cup in England next year.”

Rahane has an experience of 156 List A matches in which he has scored 5457 runs at 37.63 including eight centuries and 39 half-centuries.

He last played an ODI for India during the South Africa tour earlier this year and was dropped for the three-ODI series against England that preceded the Test series.

Mumbai will face Baroda in their Vijay Hazare opener in Alur on September 19.

Editorial team of CricketCountry.

First Published on September 12, 2018 12:54 PM ISTLast updated on September 12, 2018 12:54 PM IST